How to make a donation

Those who would like to contribute towards Sylvia’s medical expenses can contact the Department of Chemistry main office (631-632-7920) or send donations to: Graduate Chemical Society, Sylvia Tracz Fund, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400. Checks can be made out to Graduate Chemical Society, Sylvia Tracz Fund.

All proceeds go directly to the Sylvia Tracz fund.

A Magic Night for Sylvia

On Wednesday, March 1, 2006 from 7-9pm there will be an all star cast magic show at the Staller Center, sponsored by the Stony Brook Graduate Chemical Society (GCS), the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) and Graduate School. The show is being produced as a benefit to raise money to help defray the medical expenses of Stony Brook University chemistry graduate student, Sylvia Tracz, who was injured in a near fatal car accident this past July, when hit on the drivers’ side by a SUV running a red light days after passing her Ph.D. defense. Since her accident, Sylvia has amazingly overcome many odds, but is still severely debilitated. Although the road to recovery will be a long one, she has a very positive attitude toward her therapy and continues to make progress everyday.

Join us for an evening of wonder and enchantment as Arthur Trace, only the eighth magician in the history of magic to receive the coveted Gold Medal of Magic from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, entertains with never before seen illusions and world-class sleight of hand. Other performers include magician Francis Menotti, television celebrity and sideshow performer Todd Robbins, famous mentalist Jon Stetson, and a special performance by the close-up magicians from New York City’s longest running magic show, “Monday Night Magic.”

Tickets are $10.00 for Stony Brook students and children under 12 years, $20.00 for general seating and $100.00 benefactor seating. General admission and student tickets may be purchased through the Stony Brook University Student Activity Center ticket box office (631-632-6464). Benefactor tickets can be purchased through the Stony Brook University Chemistry Department main office (631-632-7920). All proceeds to be donated to the Sylvia Tracz fund.

Those who would like to contribute towards Sylvia’s medical expenses can contact the Department of Chemistry main office (631-632-7920) or send donations to: Graduate Chemical Society, Sylvia Tracz Fund, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400. Checks can be made out to Graduate Chemical Society, Sylvia Tracz Fund.

Sylvia's Biosketch

Sylvia’s Biosketch

Dr. Sylvia Tracz was born in Poland and immigrated to Chicago at an early age where she was raised. In 1999, upon graduating from Loyola University in Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Sylvia went to work at Baxter Healthcare in Illinois. Sylvia wanted more out of her career and sought the challenge of conducting fundamental research. She decided to pursue her love of science under the guidance of Professor Raleigh in the Chemistry Department at SUNY Stony Brook University.

Dr. Tracz successfully defended her thesis in July of 2005, immediately prior to the accident. The goal of Sylvia’s thesis project was to gain a better understanding of the properties that trigger amyloid formation by proteins and peptides. More specifically, her work focused on islet amyloid polypeptide, which is the major protein component of amyloid deposits found in the pancreas of patients with type 2 diabetes. Amyloid is a generic term referring to pathological protein deposits which are toxic to cells. Amyloid formation occurs in a growing number of degenerative neurological and systemic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Diseases. Among these diseases, type 2 diabetes affects over 150 million people worldwide and has become a leading global health risk in the 21^st Century. Sylvia also conducted basic research on the structural basis of gene regulation.

Dr. Tracz was recognized both for her scientific achievements and for her outstanding service and teaching contributions to the university and the Chemistry Department at SUNY Stony Brook. Sylvia had accepted a post-doctorial research position in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Flettrick who is a leading structural biologist at the University of California.

Today, Dr. Tracz would be at the University of California working her own magic if it was not for the misfortune of the near fatal car accident that took place 7 months ago. However since her accident, Sylvia has amazingly overcome many odds. When she left Stony Brook hospital in early December 2005, she was unable to speak, move or respond to stimulus. Since then, Sylvia has made remarkable improvements both cognitively and physically. Although the road to recovery will be a long one, she has a very positive attitude toward her therapy and continues to make progress everyday.

Genii Magazine Review

‘A Magic Night for Sylvia’ (The Review)

In July 2005, Dr. Sylvia Tracz successfully defended her doctoral thesis in Chemistry at SUNY Stony Brook. Colleagues considered Sylvia a truly great thinker, having thrived in a field dominated by men. Sylvia conducted advanced research on the role of hormones in type-II diabetes and had accepted a post-doctoral research position in a nationally acclaimed laboratory at the University of California.

Then, tragedy struck. On the night of July 24, 2005, Sylvia was on her way to a party to celebrate the completion of her doctoral thesis. An SUV sped through a red light, slamming into the much small car Sylvia was driving. She was nearly killed in the accident. During a lengthy hospital stay, Sylvia began to heal from the critical injuries she sustained in the accident. Eventually, Sylvia, who remained comatose, was airlifted to a rehabilitation center in Illinois. Remarkably, she is recovering, making slow but steady progress. To her friends and family, it seems nothing short of a miracle.

Unfortunately, mounting medical costs and expenses are providing a separate challenge. Some of Sylvia’s friends and colleagues, including her brother, Arthur Trace, realized that she could use a little magic to help with her miraculous recovery. They decided to

organize a charity magic benefit, in ‘A Magic Night for Sylvia’ at the cavernous Staller Center at SUNY Stony Brook, which was made available without charge for the event.

On March 1, 2006, ten magicians, all of whom volunteered their time, traveled from around the country to perform at ‘A Magic Night for Sylvia’. The event proved wildly successful. More than 700 supporters and spectators attended, packing the auditorium and generating $15,000 in ticket sales, while additional funds were raised through concession sales and discretionary contributions.

Not only was it a wonderful result, the show was outstanding. Spectators were treated to more than two hours of top-flight magic, including a fabulous stage show and a terrific close-up segment. Arthur Trace, Todd Robbins and Francis Menotti headlined onstage, while the close-up segment featured seven magicians associated with Monday Night Magic -- Michael Chaut, Thorsten Happel, Jenna Kassen, Dennis Kyriakos, Carl

Mercurio, Ben Nemser and Andy Roberts. (Jon Stetson appeared in the program for the stage show, but missed the show due to an unfortunate travel mix-up.)

Innovation and originality were the hallmarks of the stage performances. Trace -- who flew in from Chicago for the event -- performed several sets. Winner of a prestigious gold medal from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Trace, who could be a Buddy Holly look-alike, offers a thought-provoking fusion of stage magic and performance art.

His opening set featured a theme about time -- in Trace’s magical world, a half-eaten apple becomes a time keeping device, the magicians ability to stop time explains his ability to make objects vanish, and the sands of an hour glass visibly dissolve only to reappear inside an egg. He did an unusual cups and balls routine using bells and clappers, and employed a large tin can telephone to perform a unique twist on the Miser’s Dream. In ‘Postmodern Art’ Trace blurs the line between life and art, as an abstract painting comes to life in his hands. Objects magically pop in and out of the canvas, changing color and form, while the image gradually morphed into a self-portrait of the artist.

During this routine, Trace performs a wonderful silent billiard ball and card production routine reminiscent of Cardini -- the magic seems to happen to him.

Though I’ve seen Todd Robbins perform many times before (some of my comments about his work can be seen on his web site at [URL=http://www.toddrobbins.com/Press-Mum-SideshowsSea.htm]http://www.toddrobbins.com/Press-Mum-SideshowsSea.htm[/URL], he proved, once again, that he is one of the most entertaining

People on the planet. During ‘A Magic Night for Sylvia’ Todd acted as an engaging emcee, charming everyone by sponsoring an eat-four-Ritz-crackers-and-then-whistle contest among a dozen children from the audience. That Todd can squeeze every drop of entertainment out of this bit of business demonstrates the power of his stage presence. He contorted four strapping young men from the audience into the ‘Death-Defying, Anti-Gravity, Human Pretzel’. He performed several of his signature sideshow effects, including the Human Blockhead act, in which he drives a six-inch steel nail into his nose with a hammer. He extinguished a lit cigar on his tongue and did something with a balloon that is simply too disgusting to describe or, for me, to watch. I really like seeing Todd perform. I just don’t understand why.

Incidentally, while we were chatting in the lobby after the show, a man approached Todd and asked to examine at the nail Todd uses in the Blockhead number. Todd graciously obliged (and then performed a bonus Blockhead bit). The man admired the size and length of Todd’s nail. He explained that, having seen Todd’s show in the past, he had been inspired to try the routine himself, and had succeeded, though with a shorter roofing nail. I’m happy to report that I’ve never been struck by the urge to attempt to replicate any of Todd’s effects, and that pleases my physician.

The third headliner, Philadelphia’s Francis Menotti, entered bound in a straight jacket, and then, to the sounds of Charlie Chaplin tramp-style music, effected an escape. By entering in the straight jacket, he avoided the process of putting it on during his act, an interesting approach. Menotti next offered an interesting card effect based on the premise that his words would get confused as the cards were shuffled. His patter bore out this promise, then his words, and the order of the cards, magically returned to normal. Menotti performed a ‘Temporal Postage’ effect, in which he vanished a silk, marked with a stamp initialed by a spectator, which reappears inside a sealed, postmarked envelope. He did a number prediction, styled as an ‘anti-prediction’ in which the magician hopes to fail to prove that the curse of prescience has left him, and carried off a wonderful magic square and Rubik’s Cube routine that went over well with the largely collegiate audience. A book test in which a spectator was offered a free choice of five volumes contained several subtleties that I found impressive, but seemed to be lost on the audience, while a silent card routine in which the chosen, signed card emerged from Menotti’s duct-taped mouth scored big. Finally, Menotti did the ‘Professor’s Nightmare’ hitting the jackpot by selecting a giggly kid named Andrew as his volunteer. Sporting Johnny Depp cool and Adrien Brody-like good looks, Menotti is a smooth, likeable performer.

The magicians performing during the close-up segment brought unbridled energy and enthusiasm to the evening. Groups of spectators thronged around each of the performers, gasping with astonishment and cheering loudly as the magicians performed a variety of effects. I watched Dennis Kyriakos blow away a group of spectators. Dennis is a terrific performer with a good-natured ‘wise guy’ persona slightly reminiscent of Rocco. When asked about this, he responded tersely ‘Hey, I’m from Queens. He beautifully executed the mismatched bill, and offered engaging manipulations of wooden cigars (effectively using the old ‘wooden Indian joke). Dennis then did a solid rendition of the ambitious card routine, using a signed card with a card-to-wallet finish. He then did a card effect that struck me as nearly impossible -- noting my bewilderment, Dennis quipped, staying in character, “You okay over there? Should I go on, or is it too much for you?”

I wish I could report about all of the close up performers, but logistics and timing didn’t allow me to see the others. I did hear the yells, cheers and applause while they were performing. Having met them after the show, I was impressed with their enthusiasm. All of the performers should be proud of being part of this spectacular night and for contributing their skills to such a worthy cause.

Anyone wishing to contribute toward Sylvia’s medical expenses can send a check to: Graduate Chemistry Society, Sylvia Tracz Fund, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400.

Please feel free to post this on other newsgroups and boards or to email to anyone that may be interested.

--Gary Brown (Genii Magazine)

Performer Biographies

A Magic Night for Sylvia

(Performer Biographies)

.

Arthur Trace

Arthur Trace has taken magical entertainment in a new direction of performance art: expressing his artistic style through original presentations dealing with art, philosophy, and altering the laws of nature. In 2002 millions of Americans witnessed this magical artistry as Arthur Trace was the first magician to debut on the national television premier of FOX Television’s “30 Seconds To Fame.”

Highly acclaimed by his peers as “One of the most unique acts in the world of magic today,” Arthur Trace was the eighth magician in the history of magic to be awarded The International Brotherhood Of Magicians “Gold Medal International Award Of Excellence,” for his performance of original stage magic.

Although he makes his home in Chicago, Arthur Trace is a regular performer at Hollywood’s world famous Magic Castle and New York’s Off-Broadway hit “Monday Night Magic.” When not performing at these theatrical productions, he can be found entertaining at corporate and private events around the world.

Todd Robbins

Todd Robbins is the world's foremost purveyor of reality at it's most amazing -- He is the classiest act to ever grace the stage of the American Sideshow. If Todd looks familiar to you, it's probably because you have seen him on one of the over 100 TV appearances he has done! These include multiple appearances on the late night talk-fests of David Letterman, Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien; and the NBC special Extreme Variety.

Chances are that if you have been amazed and amused by a guy on TV eating glass, hammering a nail into his nose, spitting out a huge ball of fire, walking over broken bottles in his bare feet, swallowing swords, sticking his hand into an animal trap, doing the unthinkable with a small balloon, using only the power of his lungs to blow up a hot water bottle until it explodes... it was Todd Robbins doing it!

Francis Menotti

Having begun his endeavors as a magician over 20 years ago, Francis Menotti brings to his audiences a suave blend of skilled sleight of hand and wry sense of humor that leaves them laughing and amazed. Menotti became interested in magic upon receiving a Fisher Price magic set for his 5th Christmas. Over the years, he learned almost entirely from books, looking to classic literature and philosophy for inspiration of his now award-winning acts. Menotti now performs his warped and innovative magic full-time throughout the country. He also lectures to magician groups on the concepts of creativity in the art of magic.

Jon Stetson

The mind, mirth and mystery of Jon Stetson has made him a Most Valuable Player at thousands of corporate events. Jon is a third-generation entertainer whose intelligent, interactive approach to entertaining places him on an exclusive list of corporate America’s most sought-after performers. He makes his home on the South Coast of Massachusetts, but can bring his portable, powerful, thoroughly professional brand of performance art anywhere in the world. This internationally acclaimed mind reading comedian will make you laugh, make you think, make you feel like an awe-struck kid.

Andy Update

Happy Holidays all,

Debbie forwarded the following update from Jo,

Asim

We have good news... Andy is now home! He was discharged from St Johnland in time to spend Christmas at home with me. Andy will still receive ongoing speech, physical and occupational therapy, but he is now at a point to receive it as an outpatient. Andy and I are preparing to move back to the U.K. in January; it will be good to be back with the family. Prayers that this move would go smoothly would be most appreciated. Thanks go to everyone in America who have supported Andy and I in such practical ways and gave extra support in the times when the family were not able to be here. I know our parents appreciate it so much as well! Thanks to all of those thousands of miles away who have sent messages of love and support, fundraised, prayed and supported our family in the U.K in so many ways. The past 5 months have been so tough but I have been so overwhelmed by the love that has been shown.
Thank You!

Final Stony Brook Update for Sylvia

Sylvia will be leaving the University Hospital tomorrow morning , Friday Dec-2, and will be transferred via air ambulance to a rehabilitation unit located in Barrington, IL.. This is the next step in her treatment so, although we will all miss her very much, we should be happy that she is leaving. The rehabilitation unit specializes in coma stimulation and brain trauma and is close to her family.

Sylvia's internal injures have healed and she no longer uses a respirator, although she does receive modest supplemental oxygen. It is difficult to evaluate her neurological state. The consulting neurologist, Dr Gerber, reports that she does respond to some voice commands and external stimulation. This is obviously a good sign and we can only hope that it is the first step in her ultimate recovery. What the final end state will be is impossible for anyone to predict. It will be a long road for Sylvia and her family. All we can do is to continue to hope for the best and keep her in our thoughts and in our hearts.

We may post occasional updates when we learn new information form her family.

Finally, the Tracz family wants to once again thank everyone for their kindness and help during this very difficult time.

yours;

A. Abedini / D. Raleigh

12-1-2005

Andy Update

Hi all,

I know it has been a while... Here is an update on Andy,

Asim

Andy continues to make progress, his sense of humour and wit are fast returning! He works extremely hard in his therapy sessions which are proving key to his continued recovery. His therapists say that both his motivation and determination are a massive bonus for him! Andy has an incredible appetite (this certainly hasn't changed!) and so is gradually putting back on the weight that was lost. He never turns down a piece of chocolate and is desperate for a beer! He is not quite at the point of being allowed any yet though! Specific ares for prayer are memory, balance and to maintain an inner peace as his awareness increases. Thanks again for all the prayers and support it just means so much.

Jo

Sylvia Update

Hi all,

Andisheh has forwarded the following update ...

Asim.

Sylvia is still in the ICU and making slow but steady progress. Her respiratory condition has significantly improved and her care team recently decided that it is time to try to take her off of the ventilator. She will still receive supplemental oxygen from a tank, even off the ventilator, but she’ll hopefully be able to regulate her own blood-gas exchange. So far she has been able to tolerate being off of the ventilator for about two hours a day. Sylvia is no longer sedated and can open her eyes. But she still does not track anything with her eyes or communicate. She doesn’t respond to voices but she does move her legs and one arm a little in response to pain. She can also make a fist with her hand. The doctors say this might be a reflexive response (like infants squeezing their hands around something) but what they are looking for is her ability to open her hands, which they say is a voluntary response. Her care team will continue to work with her, and are waiting for her to do this. The CAT scans show signs of some head trauma where her original hemorrhages were, however no neurological assessment can be made at this time. Sylvia’s care team is currently focused on two major goals: (1) relieve her pneumonia and (2) possibly get off of the ventilator. Her doctors don’t want to take an MRI any time soon (which would give a more detailed picture than a CAT scan), because they say the results won’t change her current course of therapy. After she achieves these two major goals, she can hopefully move on to rehabilitation. Her doctors say that rehab will allow for a better neurological evaluation, as well as help her regain her strength and possibly build new neural connections if needed.

Fundraiser Yard Sale

Hi all,

St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Port Jefferson is holding a yard sale to benefit Andy and Sylvia. The sale will be on Saturday October 22 from 10am to 3pm. The church is located on 309 Patchogue Road (Rt 112) in Port Jefferson Station across from Blockbuster Video. (Phone 631-473-2236)

They need help with sorting and pricing the items starting 5pm the night before (Friday Oct 21) and setting up Saturday at 8:30AM. If you have anything to donate, they are accepting donations (call first to make certain someone is there). And for those in need of household items - the yard sale might be a good opportunity to pick up some things!

If there are any questions please post them as comments and we'll try to answer them as soon as we can,

Asim

Andy Update

Hi all,

Here is a recent update from Debbie,

Andy continues to make great strides in his recovery, he has now been moved to St Johnland Head Injury Rehabilitation Centre. This is a unit that specialises in Traumatic Brain Injury. He is able to eat on his own now and is enjoying the taste of food again.And coffee!!! He still has the feeding tube but the doctors are aiming to remove it soon. Andy's voice continues to strengthen. He talks frequently but is at a very confused stage of his recovery. The main issues for Andy at the moment are short term memory, concentration, mobility, vision, general weakness and cognitive linguistics. Prayers for these areas would be very much appreciated. Thank you once again to everyone who has supported the family in so many ways. The following is a quote from Andy himself: "You have helped us so much, Thank you! Always trust in God for your help." - Andy.